CN has been in discussions with various customers who have inquired about building or relocating to distribution centres near our rail facilities in the Calgary region. The Conrich area provides an excellent location to accommodate their needs and allow CN to grow alongside them.

CN's existing Sarcee Yard was built more than 30 years ago and while it has served CN well, it cannot be easily expanded.

CN will look at the options for the current site including possible sale or redevelopment as part of its feasibility study.

CN has looked at possible alternatives along its lines, east of and within the City of Calgary but none proved suitable.

The proposed location was determined as it is next to CN's existing line, its proximity to existing and planned major road arteries as well as its flat terrain, and minimal road and pipeline crossings. The development also fits in with Rocky View County's future development plans.

Rocky View County has indicated its intent to create industrial zoning in the area north of Conrich. This is compatible with CN's existing rail line operation and future plans for the CN Calgary Logistics Park.

The project will follow industry best practices for planning and design, and go through a federally regulated process for new railway construction. That process includes an environmental assessment and public consultation.

CN is currently working with Rocky View County to address water issues.  Well water is not being considered as an option.

CN has recently conducted a series of environmental and engineering studies including noise, lighting and air quality impact assessments. Details on the findings and any necessary mitigation strategies will be posted once available.  This information will also be provided to the Canadian Transportation Agency as part of the federal regulatory process. Comments received from the public during the first open house have been used to consider alternatives and additional mitigation measures to reduce impacts on the neighbouring areas.

 Landscape berms will be used around the perimeter of the facility to provide a visual barrier to the rail operations.

During peak hours, it is anticipated that the additional vehicle trips will be 436 in the a.m. peak (8:00 to 9:00 a.m.) and 424 in the p.m. peak hours (4:00 to 5:00 p.m.).

Two trains will arrive from Edmonton each day and two trains will depart for Edmonton each day.  There is the potential that this will increase by one additional train in each direction on full build out. An additional one or two short trains will continue south of the logistics park to service the local areas of Lyalta and East Foothills. 

South - Traffic bound to and from the south side of the facility will access from TWP 250 and RR 283.

North - Traffic bound to and from the north side of the facility is proposed to access from TWP 250, RR 285 and the proposed new CN access road through SW ¼ SEC. 5 25-28-4, SE ¼ SEC. 5 25-28-4 and SW ¼ SEC. 4 25-28-4, and along the CN Logistics Park property boundary.

There is no evidence to indicate negative impacts on property values; no compensation to property owners is planned. Over time some adjacent landowners are expected to see an increase in their land values as lands are rezoned to an industrial/commercial use.

Rocky View County would benefit through the development of a new industrial base, along with a corresponding increase in municipal taxes, employment and future business opportunities.

The customer base is fluid so the type of products that would move through the facility will vary.  At similar facilities the typical list of goods includes a broad range from general household goods such as food stuffs, pillows, furniture, apparel and electronics to batteries and paint, diesel fueo, wood products/lumber and automobiles.

Rail is the safest and most efficient method to transport goods. CN can, and does, move any product that can be shipped by rail, including those classified as dangerous goods. The types and amounts of product depend on customer requirements. On average, dangerous good shipments account for approximately 10 percent of CN's total traffic volume while the Intermodal component is estimated to be 3.6%.  Dangerous goods include commodities such as paint, windshield washer fluid, diesel fuel, seat belt tensors and batteries. 

CN has held two public open house events to consult with local residents about the project.  They were held on April 7, 2010 and June 23, 2010. Comments were accepted from the public at both open house events, as well as via mail, email, and the CN contact number 1.866.778.6860.

Comments provided by the public were considered in project refinements and modifications, and in the inclusion of additional mitigation strategies. 

Click here to provide comments on this project directly to CN.

The development and its related CN activities are authorized at the federal level.  Lands developed for CN's customers will be approved through the municipal approval level as like any other development occurring in the region.

The CN Calgary Logistics Park will provide CN customers and potential new customers with access to Canadian and US markets.  Through this facility, for example, those customers currently shipping to Eastern Canada from Western Ports for distribution have the opportunity to use the Calgary Logistics Park to distribute into Western Canada directly.

In addition, large Canadian and US based retailers will benefit from the economics associated with co-locating their facilities within the logistics park, such as significant GHG emission reduction and transportation cost savings.